10.c1 Memo on 2040 Comp Plan
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Date of Meeting: June 16, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: T.J. Hofer, Consultant City Planner
Lindsey Duggan, Consultant City Planner
Re:
Staff prepared a memo for the City Council in December of 2025 to help the Council consider
how they would like to approach the upcoming 2050 Comprehensive Plan. During the meeting,
the Council asked staff to provide a summary of what efforts the city undertook as a part of the
2040 update.
Request for Proposals
To choose a consultant for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update, the city published a request for
proposal (RFP) with details related to the goals of the city and the expectations for the
consultant. The RFP is attached to this report for review. Aside from the update to the
Comprehensive Plan, the RFP also indicated that the update would require a creative public
participation process and asked consultants to submit a public engagement strategy. The RFP
also asked for typical information from the consultants such as a statement of qualifications,
personnel qualifications, and references.
It appears that within the scope of the RFP were also a number of technical services, which
included creation of or updates to natural environment plans, transportation plans, and
infrastructure/utility plans.
Ultimately, Bolton & Menk was selected through the RFP process for the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan update.
Public Engagement
The RFP emphasized the importance of public engagement for the city s plan. As part of the
2040 update, the city received a SHIP grant that provided funding for public engagement events.
The SHIP grant appears to have covered approximately $12,857.50 in costs. Included in the
attachments is a document produced by Bolton & Menk titled Scandia Public Outreach. This
details the various public engagement events as well as meeting attendance included in the 2040
update. The public engagement can be summarized as:
Three steering committee meetings
Three focus groups
One public open house
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Two pop-up meetings
A mailed survey
Various forms of online engagement such as a website, a Facebook page, and an online
survey
Various handouts, flyers, and other informational materials
Based on market rates, staff anticipates this level of community engagement alone could cost
anywhere between $25,000 and $35,000 for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update.
The Metropolitan Council has developed minimum requirement checklists. The checklist for the
City of Scandia is attached. Engagement is mentioned only once in the checklist, in item 29,
which reads: Identify community engagement efforts implemented in the creation of the
Comprehensive Plan. Highlight efforts that were made to collaborate with underrepresented
populations in the planning process. (Black, American Indian, people of color, youth, older
adults, renters, etc.)
The only truly required community engagement is the required public hearing; however, only
doing the public hearing would generally be unadvisable and not the best practice.
Elements of the Plan
The Comprehensive Plan vision establishes a long-term direction in which Scandia remains a
rural, small-town community centered around a vibrant Village Center. The vision emphasizes
managed growth, environmental stewardship, preservation of scenic and historic character, and a
locally focused economy. This vision guided all policy development and implementation actions
throughout the planning process.
The 2040 Comprehensive Plan update involved a coordinated effort to translate this vision into
actionable policies, regulations, and strategies. Through the work of the Comprehensive Plan
Committee, extensive public engagement, and coordination with regional agencies, the City
established a framework to guide development, protect resources, and ensure long-term
community sustainability. The following summarizes the work completed across each major
goal, policy, and strategy area.
Land Use
The Land Use section is centered on managing growth while preserving rural character and
directing development to appropriate areas. Goals in the section include updating zoning districts
and subdivision standards, establishing the Village Center as the primary location for growth,
and implementing design standards to maintain scenic and historic character.
Natural Resources
The Natural Resources section focuses on protecting water resources, preserving ecological
Goals in the
section include implementing water management practices through the Local Water Management
Plan, strengthening stormwater and low-impact development requirements, coordinating with
watershed districts and regulatory agencies, and expanding education on water quality and
conservation. The City emphasized the importance of enforced standards for septic systems,
identified and protected sensitive natural areas, promoted native vegetation and habitat
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restoration, and explored conservation tools such as land acquisition and development rights
programs to preserve high-quality natural resources.
Housing
The Housing section focuses on expanding housing options that meet the needs of residents
across all life stages while maintaining community character. Goals in the section include
identifying areas for smaller lot and multi-family housing within the Village Center, coordinating
with regional housing agencies to support affordable and senior housing, and establishing
methods to monitor housing conditions and trends. The City also incorporated policies to
encourage accessible and adaptable housing design for long-term livability.
Energy and Sustainability
The Energy and Sustainability section promotes efficient energy use and integration of
Goals in the section include
developing policies to protect solar access, allowing and regulating renewable energy systems
such as wind and solar, and encouraging energy-efficient building practices. The City also
supported alternative fuels, coordinated with regional partners on transportation and energy
issues, and incorporated sustainability considerations into land use and development decisions.
Economic Development
The Economic Development section focuses on strengthening the local economy, particularly
within the Village Center, while supporting small-scale and agricultural-based businesses. Goals
in the section include establishing design standards for commercial development, promoting
reinvestment and infill in the Village Center, and limiting highway strip commercial growth. The
City supported entrepreneurship, niche businesses, tourism, and agricultural enterprises, and
explored programs and incentives to attract and retain local businesses consistent with
community character.
Parks, Trails, and Open Space
The Parks and Trails section aims to develop a connected system of recreational and open space
amenities that support community health and environmental preservation. Goals in the section
include implementing the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan, identifying priority acquisition
and improvement areas, expanding trail connections including regional links, and coordinating
with state and county partners. The City also prioritized park improvements, trail connectivity,
and long-term planning for recreational facilities and green infrastructure.
Transportation
The Transportation section is focused on maintaining a safe, efficient, and context-sensitive
transportation network that preserves rural character while improving connectivity. Goals in the
section include updating subdivision and access standards, planning for interconnected local
street networks, and coordinating with county and state agencies on roadway management. The
City expanded planning for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, protected scenic roadways, and
supported appropriate transit and ridesharing options while limiting impacts on rural road
systems.
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Attachments
A. Request for Proposal 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update, September 16, 2016
B. Scandia Public Outreach, 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
C. Scandia 2050 Comprehensive Plan Minimum Requirements Checklist
REQUEST FOR
PROPOSAL
2040 Comprehensive
Plan Update
September 16, 2016
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INTRODUCTION
Scandia is located in the northeast corner of Washington County. landscape is a mix of
agricultural lands, lakes and streams, residential development, with limited commercial and industrial
development. The community is connected to the regional transportation system via MN 95, which runs
along the St. Croix River, and MN 97, which runs from MN 95 into Forest Lake.
Scandia is 36 square miles and has an estimated population of 3,986
in 2015). Recent demographic data shows a slight decline in population but there have been significant
increases in the population over 60 and decreases in the population under 15. There has been little
development of new lots since the 2030 comprehensive plan was approved. While the number of single-
family homes increased by 346 since 2000, there have been only 34 new single family homes since 2010.
limited to 4 houses per 40 acres in the majority of the City.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The City of Scandia is seeking a consultant team (which may be a single firm or a consultant team
.
The desired outcome is to update and improve upon the 2030 Comprehensive Plan to reflect the changes
in the community since the previous plan was adopted and projected future changes. An updated
Comprehensive Plan will serve as a
The consultant team will:
Review, update and revise, as appropriate, the contents of the Comprehensive Plan, along with
updating technical and supporting data.
Identify unnecessary, redundant and inconsistent information with the existing document and
recommend approaches to develop a more concise and usable document that is informative to
long range planning.
Present materials and amendments to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Coordinate and support a public participation process for this update. Prepare and produce high
quality public outreach materials graphically and in writing describing facts, findings, analysis, and
alternatives for public meetings, open houses, webpage and hearings.
The following describes the specific minimum components which should be included in the scope of work.
The City Council and City staff will finalize the scope of work with the selected consultant prior to contract
authorization. The City is open to suggestions other than those items listed that the consultant believes
day and long-term planning activities.
Metropolitan Council Requirements
The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the comprehensive plan update complies with
all Minnesota Statutes and Metropolitan Council requirements, including those contained in the
Thrive MSP 2040 system statements as well as the minimum requirements contained in the Local
Planning Handbook for Scandia.
Comprehensive Plan Chapters
Each chapter of the existing comprehensive plan is in need of differing levels of revision. It is
anticipated that upon review of the existing plan, each consulting firm will provide its insight as to
the best method to implement these and other revisions. All updates should account for changes
in physical development over the past decade and community preferences for future
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development. The consultant will work with the Planning Commission to determine to what
extent revisions are needed. The chapters include:
Introduction: Updates to this chapter will be necessary to reflect the current plan revisions
and the additional planning that has been put in place since the previous update.
Vision for Scandia: Evaluate the continued validity of the established vision statements of
the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and update them as appropriate. The 2030 Comprehensive
community. A shift in the vision for the community could lead to the designations as a
.
Community Context: Update to reflect recent physical development in the City, analysis of
past and current demographics, demographic trends and future projections.
Land Use:
Land Use - Provide an overview of current land use. Review current land use,
including amount of undeveloped land for each use, to identify parcels or areas
with inappropriate land use designations and provide guidance for their future use
and development. Evaluate the land use category designations and their
descriptions to determine whether they are suitable or should be broadly
reconsidered or slightly revised to better define the intent of each category.
Assess whether change to or the establishment of planning districts would be
beneficial. Identify neighborhoods or small areas that may benefit from more
intensive planning efforts and potential public investment.
Natural Resources Update the current conditions identified in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan.
Growth Management - Identify areas of potential growth in relation to the City of
Scandia demographic trends and projected future demands. Analyze potential
areas for growth in the city. Determine and provide tools for growth management
based on findings.
Transportation: Review of the c current transportation systems. Study of potential
transportation needs both current and future based on changes to the land use patterns
since the 2030 comprehensive plan and projections of future land uses. The content in this
chapter will be updated in conjunction with consultant.
Infrastructure: Review of current utilities, infrastructure, and resources including
wastewater, surface water, and water supply. Identify the availability of utilities and
infrastructure in relation to Land Use and Growth Management studies and projected
future needs. The content in this chapter will be updated
engineering consultant.
Parks and Trails: pdate the
current conditions as identified in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and in the Comprehensive
Parks, Trails, Open space, and Recreation Plan adopted in 2006. Analyze the availability,
and the future
needs based on changes in demographics.
Housing: Assess the current housing conditions. Analyze the availability, usage, and future
housing needs based on the prior and projected changes in demographics and any
proposed changes in land use. The Washington County HRA will be contracting for a
county-wide housing needs study and can serve as a resource for this element.
Resilience: The City currently has a solar farm and solar garden ordinance and four solar
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farms have received approval from the City Council.
Economic Competitiveness: Work with the Economic Development Authority to assess
the C employment base and identify goals, actions, and policies to improve the local
economic vitality. Identify underutilized properties and identify opportunities, policies,
and programs to guide the redevelopment.
Implementation: Updates to this chapter will be necessary to account for how the
community has changed since the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and to reflect
updated goals and policies of the body of the plan.
Public Engagement
The Comprehensive Plan Update will require a creative public participation process that engages a
wide-range of community members. Consultants responding to the RFP will be expected to
propose an overall public engagement strategy. The selected consultant will work with advisory
committees and commissions (Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, Parks &
Recreation Committee, and Wastewater Committee), staff, and the City Council to further refine
the strategy to best suit Scandia.
REQUIRED PROPOSAL CONTENT
The following material must be received by 12:00 noon (CDT) on October 12, 2016 for a proposing
consultant to be considered. During the evaluation process, however, the City of Scandia shall reserve the
right to request additional information or clarifications from a consultant, or to allow corrections of errors
and/or omissions.
Cover Letter/Title Page:
name, address, telephone and email address of the contact person; and the date of the proposal.
Transmittal Letter:
the work to be performed, committing to perform the work within requested time periods, explaining why
the consultant believes that it is best qualified to perform the services, and stating that the proposal is an
irrevocable offer.
Statement of Qualifications: Submitted materials should demonstrate the qualifications of the consultant
and of the particular staff to be assigned to this engagement.
General Information:
similar information on key sub-consultants, if any, proposed for the project.
Introduction and Executive Summary: Provide the following information concerning your firm:
Firm name and business address, including telephone number, fax number, and email address.
Year established (include former names and year established, if applicable)
Type of ownership and parent company, if any
Project
Executive Summary, highlight the major facts and features of the proposal, including any
conclusions, assumptions, and recommendations you desire to make.
Project Understanding:
in the Scope of Services. Discuss and clearly explain the methodology that your firm proposes to use to
satisfactorily achieve the required services on this project. The respondent must document their clear
understanding of the RFPs entire scope of work and project intent for the City of Scandia Comprehensive
Plan Update, data requirements, and public participation process. Include all aspects of technical analysis,
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projections, advanced technology and software, and public participation processes. Address any unique
situations that may affect timely, satisfactory completion of this project.
Personnel Qualifications For each member of the professional staff proposed to be assigned to this
engagement, please provide the following information:
Identification of key personnel who will manage the project and who can negotiate and execute a
contract.
Names and proposed roles of other individual team members.
Education and experience biographies of all team members addressing the qualifications and
considerations of the RFP.
Describe the qualifications of the consultant to perform the work requested. Include information
about pertinent prior experience.
An outline of the proposed functions of the individuals and their back-up as well as their
experience in the specific assigned functions.
References:
Include a list of municipal clients where similar services were (or are currently being) provided by the
professional staff proposed along with the name and telephone number of a person who may be
contacted at that municipality.
Include a list of private clients for whom work has been or is being performed within Scandia, the type of
project, the specific activities performed, and the name of a person who may be contacted at the private
client.
Proposal: The purpose of the technical proposal is to demonstrate how the consultant, as a team and as
individuals, will contribute to the comprehensive planning effort. The substance of the proposal will carry
more weight than form or manner of presentation; the proposal should be complete and concise.
Proposed Work Plan and Tasks: Provide specific approaches, methods, and assumptions that will
be utilized to accomplish each work item in the Scope of Services.
Schedule: Provide a proposed schedule from project initiation (January 1, 2017) to final
completion. The schedule should include a listing of key tasks within each phase, key milestones
and approximate dates, and deliverables.
Additional Information:
Include any other information that is believed to be pertinent, but not specifically
requested elsewhere in this RFP.
Describe costs,
including how the consultant leverages technology to do so.
Describe research capabilities and references utilized.
Provide a statement o he work and what kind of
priority it would be given, including capability to maintain reasonable response times.
Compensation/Fee Schedule: Identify pricing for each segment of the scope listed below:
Participation Process
Planning Services
o Update of Existing Plans and exhibits
o Analysis of Future Issues and exhibits
o Implementation and exhibits
Technical Services
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o Natural Environment Plan and exhibits
o Transportation Plans and exhibits
o Infrastructure / Utility Plan and exhibits
If multiple consultants are collaborating on the RFP submittal, please identify the specific segment of the
scope for each assigned consultant and the associated pricing. Provide a fee schedule for
incidental/disbursement services and any other costs the city will be charged in addition to those
previously noted.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Inquiries: All responses, questions, and correspondence should be directed to Neil Soltis, City
Administrator for City of Scandia, using the contact information below. In the interest of fairness to all
respondents, please do not contact other staff or elected or appointed officials unless instructed to do so.
Neil Soltis
City of Scandia
14727 209th St. N
Scandia, MN 55073
n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us
651.433.2274
Proposal Submission: One electronic copy of the proposal, in Adobe PDF format, and six paper copies of
the proposal shall be submitted to the addresses above. The submission deadline is 12:00 noon (CDT) on
October 12, 2016.
Timeline: Scandia for the consultant team selection process is as follows, although
the dates may be subject to change as the City deems necessary.
RFP Invitations Sent September 16, 2016
Proposals Due October 12, 2016
City Council Review of proposal Invitation of selected consultants October 18, 2016
Schedule Consultant Interviews October 24 - November 2, 2016
Selection of Consultant November 15, 2016
Negotiation and finalization of contract November December, 2016
Commencement of new contract January 1, 2017
PROPOSAL REVIEW
Qualification Based Selection: The City of Scandia intends to select and award a contract to the consultant
(or consultant team) evaluated to be best qualified to perform the work in the Scope of Services based on
and quality and extent of experience. Other performance factors may also be considered.
Qualified consultants will have:
demonstrated experience in municipal comprehensive planning;
well-developed skills and experience in designing and facilitating a thorough, effective public
engagement strategy;
familiarity with the and
recommendations; and
expertise in land use planning, urban design, landscape architecture, housing, and economic
development.
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Review and RecommendationProcess: Based upon review of the submitted proposals a selected number
of consultants will be asked to interview by the City Council for final selection.
Financial LiabilityLimitations: The City shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by the applicant in
connection with this solicitation, including but not limited to expenses associated with the preparation of
the statement, attendance at interviews, preparation of compensation fees schedule, or final contract
negotiations.
Rights of Review: The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or to request additional
information from any and all applicants.
Selection Criteria: The Scandia City Council will evaluate the written proposals based on, but not limited
to, the following criteria:
Understanding the Scope-of-Work and Proposed Project Approach
Does the firm demonstrate an understanding of the study objectives?
-of-work effectively and efficiently?
What is the proposed schedule for completing the study?
What is plan?
Related Experience on Similar Projects
How familiar is the firm with this kind of work in communities with similar demographics?
Does the firm have a history of successfully completing similar kinds of studies?
Past Performance
Does the firm routinely deliver desired products in a timely manner?
Does the consultant routinely demonstrate initiative, efficient use of time and resources, and reliability
in completing their projects?
Expertise of the Technical and Professional Team Members Assigned to the Project
What are the technical and professional skills of each team member?
What will be the assigned role each member will play?
Recent, Current, and Projected Workloads of Persons Working on the Project
Can the team members devote the time and resources necessary to successfully complete this project?
Each proposal will be evaluated on the above criteria by the Council. After RFP review, the Council will
schedule oral interviews. The committee will determine which firm would best provide the services
requested by the RFP.
Equal Employment Opportunity: In connection with this proposal and any subsequent contract, the
consultant shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race,
color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, sex, or status regarding public assistance. The consultant
will take action to ensure that its employees are fairly treated during employment without regard to their
race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public
assistance, sexual orientation, and age in accordance with Minnesota Statute 363A. Such actions shall
include, but not be limited to the following: employment, promotion, demotion, or transfer; recruitment
or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination; rate of pay or other forms of compensation; and
selection for training, including internship and/or apprenticeship. The consultant further agrees to insert a
similar provision in all subcontracts, except subcontract for standard commercial supplies or raw materials.
The consultant will furnish all necessary information and reports and federal agencies, for purpose of
investigation to ascertain compliance with non-discrimination provisions or any resultant contract.
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Ownership, Publication, Reproduction, and Use of Materials:All work products of the contractor, which
results from this contract, are the exclusive property of the City of Scandia. No material produced in whole
or part under the negotiated contract shall, during the life of the negotiated contract, be subject to
copyright in the United States or in any other country. Permission and approval must be obtained from the
City of Scandia before any report, handbook, manual, interim data, or results are published in any medium.
Draft copies of all deliverables must be prepared by the consultant, and reviewed for approval by the City
of Scandia before publication. The consultant, subject to the approval by the City of Scandia, shall have the
authority to publish, disclose, distribute, and otherwise use in whole and part, any reports, data, or other
materials prepared under the negotiated contract. All maps provided for each item identified in the scope
of work to clarify findings, data, projections, and trends must be clear and concise in their purpose and
delivery. When available, GIS information shall be provided to the City in electronic form compatible with
or easily converted to ArcGIS software.
Conflicts of Interest: No official or employee of the City of Scandia who is authorized in his official capacity
to negotiate, accept, or approve, or to take part in negotiating, accepting, or approving any contract or
subcontract in connection with a project shall have, directly or indirectly, any financial or other personal
interest in any such contract or subcontract. No engineer, attorney, appraiser, inspector, or other person
performing services for the City of Scandia in connection with the project shall have, directly or indirectly, a
financial or other personal interest other than his employment or retention by the City of Scandia in any
contract or subcontract in connection with such project. No officer or employee of such person retained by
the City of Scandia shall have, directly or indirectly, any financial or other personal interest in a project
unless such interest is openly disclosed upon the public records of the City of Scandia.
Subcontracting: The contractor may, with prior approval from the City of Scandia, subcontract as
necessary to accomplish the contract objectives. Subcontracts shall contain all applicable provisions of the
agreement, and copies of the subcontract must be filed with the City of Scandia.
Responsibility for Acceptance: The City of Scandia will, in all cases, determine the quality, acceptability, and
fitness of the deliverable products that are to be paid for and will decide all questions that may arise as to
the fulfillment of the contract. The City Council will ultimately make the decision for acceptance/rejection
of any submitted proposals. T
of Scandia will have the right to correct any clerical, mathematical, or minor errors or omissions in the
technical specifications when such corrections are necessary for the proper fulfillment of this document.
Assignment: the negotiated contract
without the express written consent of the City of Scandia.
Termination: The right is reserved by either party to terminate the negotiated contract with or without
cause at any time if the recipient does not comply with the provisions of the negotiated contract or its
attachments. If the City of Scandia terminates the negotiated contract, it reserves the right to take such
action, as it deems necessary and appropriate to protect the interests of the City of Scandia. Such action
may include refusing to make any additional reimbursements of funds and requiring the return of all or
part of any funds that have already been disbursed.
Amendments: The terms of the negotiated contract shall not be waived, altered, modified, supplemented,
or amended in any manner whatsoever, except by written instrument signed by the parties.
Successors in Interest: The provisions of the negotiated contract shall be binding upon and shall ensure to
the benefit of the parties hereby, and their respective successors and assigns.
Waivers: The failure of the City of Scandia to enforce any provisions of this contract shall not constitute a
waiver by the City of Scandia of that or any other provision.
Notice: All notices, certificates, or other communications shall be sufficiently given when delivered or
mailed, postage prepaid, to the parties at their respective places of business as designated hereafter in
writing by the parties.
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Hold Harmless:The contractor shall save and hold harmless the City of Scandia, its officer, agents,
employees, and members from all claims, suits, or actions of whatsoever nature resulting from or arising
out of the activities of the contractor or its subcontractors, agents, or employees under the negotiated
contract. It is hereby understood and agreed that any and all employees of the contractor and all other
persons employed by the contractor in the performance of any of the services required or provided for
under the negotiated contract shall not be considered employees of the City of Scandia and that any and
engaged and any and all claims by and third parties as a consequence of any act or omission on the part of
loyees while so engaged in any of the services to be rendered under the negotiated
contract by the contractor shall in no way be the obligation or responsibility of the City of Scandia.
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AVAILABLE RESOURCES
The following documents are available on the C website ( www.ci.scandia.mn.us ):
2030 Comprehensive Plan
Design Guidelines to Preserve Community Character
Parks and Open Space Plan, 2005 Update
Development Code
The City of Scandia has GIS parcel level data available in addition to aerial photography, infrastructure
locations, and some traffic counts, or other public data needed in the process.
Firms are encouraged during the proposal preparation process to contact the City of Scandia to determine
exactly what resources will be available.
Meeting Groups /
Activities Attended By Roles & Goals
Frequency
Status
Project Initiation Meeting City Staff
Bolton & Menk 1 Meeting January, 2017
City Staff Coordination
Meetings
City Staff
Bolton & Menk
Internal/External Agencies and Partners
Periodically / As
Needed
(2 minimum)
Ongoing
Steering Committee
Meetings
City Staff
Elected and Appointed Officials
Community Volunteers
Bolton & Menk
Gather input on issues, needs and opportunities
strategic land use direction
3 Scheduled
Meetings 3 Scheduled Meetings
Focus Groups
Council/Appointed Officials
Business Community
Agricultural & Residential Community
Youth Groups
4 Focus Groups
Decision to hold 3 Focus Groups
6/5/17 (Youth & Ag/Res)
6/22/17 (55+)
Public Open House
Public
Stakeholders
Bolton & Menk
1 Meeting / At
Concept Draft 10/24/2017
City Council
Planning Commission
Council/Appointed Officials
City Staff
Bolton & Menk
At completion of
Draft
2 Meetings (1 each)
Public Hearing to be Scheduled - most likely
April, 2018
Pop-Up Meetings
Public at Community Events, Local
Businesses, Library
Bolton & Menk
2 Pop-Up Meetings 1/28/17
9/9/17
Other Project
Communications General Public
Advertisements in local newspaper
Ongoing / Prior to
Specific Events
City Council Workshop
City Council
Planning Commission (invited)
Steering Committee (invited)
Bolton & Menk
10/4/2017
Planning Commission
Planning Commission
Bolton & Menk
General Public
1/2/2018
2/13/2018
Optional ServicesTelephone Survey
Mailed Survey
Community Charette
Stakeholder Workshops
Door Hangars
Neighbors
Businesses
Property Owners
Community Groups
General Public
Optional - To Be
Determined Survey Mailed Public Outreach / Elected OfficialsCoordination MeetingsAdditional OutreachSCANDIA PUBLIC OUTREACH
2050 Comprehensive Plan Minimum Requirements Checklist
Scandia
This document comprises the minimum requirements each community must
address in its local comprehensive plan to align with the Metropolitan Land Planning
Act and regional policies. It serves as both a planning reference and a submission
checklist to ensure all required elements are included.
Each section corresponds with a Plan Element webpage in the Local Planning
Handbook. Requirements may change, so always refer to the website for the latest
information. During the plan review, additional details may be requested by Technical
How to use this checklist
You may notice gaps in the numbering sequence; that simply indicates certain
requirements in the full regional list do not apply to your community (for example, if a
community is fully developed or lacks a relevant system).
requirement is addressed in your comprehensive plan. Providing these cross-
references at submission will help expedite the Metropolitan Council’s review and
reduce follow-up requests. If you have any questions, please contact your Sector
Representative.
Required Plan Elements:
1.Land Use
2.Housing
3.Transportation
4.Wastewater
5.Water Supply
6.Surface Water
7.Parks and Trails
8.Climate
9.Natural Systems
10.Implementation
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | IMAGINE 2050 | Local Planning Handbook | Checklist for Scandia
Land Use Pg #
Forecasts and Community Designations
1 Include a table of forecasted population, households, and employment for 2030, 2040,
and 2050, consistent with the Met Council’s forecasts.
2 Met Council forecasts must be used consistently throughout your entire comprehensive
plan.
2.1 Your transportation plan needs to utilize allocated forecasts to transportation
analysis zones (TAZs) as published by the Met Council.
2.3 Your land use plan must reflect and accommodate your forecasts.
3 Include a map acknowledging your regional Community Designation(s) and state the
overall density expectations for your Community Designation(s).
Existing Land Use
4 Provide an Existing Land Use Map with a land use legend.
4.1 Show existing regional parks, park reserves, and special features with a land use of
“Park” (or your equivalent) on your Existing Land Use Map.
5 Provide an Existing Land Use Table. Calculate total acres and percent of total acres for
each land use category.
6 Land uses categories on the map and in the table, as well as any text references must all
be consistent with one another.
Future Land Use Plan
7 Each Comprehensive Plan must contain a Future Land Use Plan which is consistent with
the Met Council’s forecasts of population, households, and employment and identify
sufficient land supply to support your community’s forecasted growth. Planned land uses
must be realistically marketable within the planning period, focusing on plausibility and
long-term viability.
8 The information developed in the land use plan must carry over to other elements of the
comprehensive plan. The areas and densities in the land use plan must be consistent
• water resources
• transportation
1 | Metropolitan Council Checklist of Minimum Requirements 2050
9 Include a description of each land use category which includes:
9.1 Allowed uses and a general description of each use and its purpose.
9.2 Minimum and maximum densities (“the allowable density range”) for all categories
that allow residential uses. (Zero is not an acceptable minimum. The maximum
value must be a whole number). The allowable density range must be inclusive of
any density bonus permitted by the underlying zoning districts.
9.3 Narrative descriptions of land use categories must be consistent with the land use
table and map.
10 Provide a Future Land Use Map and land use legend which includes all land use
categories and is consistent with the land use descriptions and land use table.
10.1 Identify all areas guided to support forecasted growth within the planning period on
the Future Land Use Map.
10.2 Acknowledge Council-approved long-range plan boundaries of regional parks, park
reserves, and special features by guiding the properties with a land use of “Park”
(or your equivalent) on your Future Land Use Map.
10.3 Identify areas enrolled or eligible for enrollment within the Metropolitan Agricultural
Preserves program on the Future Land Use Map using an agricultural land use
designation with a maximum density of 1 unit per 40 acres, as required for program
eligibility in state law.
11 Provide a Future Land Use table which includes:
11.1 All land use categories, consistent with the Future Land Use table and map.
11.2
public parks and open space, arterial road rights-of-way, and areas protected from
development by local plans and ordinances (i.e. steep slopes, wetland buffers) from
area calculations.
11.3 Total net acres and percent of total net acres planned to support forecasted growth
for each land use category in each 10-year planning period (2030, 2040, and
2050).
11.4 Minimum and maximum densities (“the allowable density range”) for all categories
that allow residential uses.
11.5 For each “mixed use” category, define an expected share of individual land uses
and identify the permitted density range for residential uses. For example, Mixed
Use Downtown might have an expectation of 30% commercial, 40% office, and
30% residential with a density of 10-15 units per acre
2 | Metropolitan Council Checklist of Minimum Requirements 2050
11.6 The planned minimum net residential density must meet the community
designation(s) minimum density requirements within each planning decade.
Density Expectations: Urban Service Area and Rural Centers
12 Provide a table which Identifies land supply guided to support forecasted growth for each
10-year planning period (2030, 2040, and 2050).
12.1 The planned minimum net residential density must meet the community
designation(s) minimum density requirements within each planning decade (2030,
2040, and 2050).
12.2 For each residential land use category identified to support forecasted growth;
• Identify the density range for each residential land use category, which must be
consistent with the Future Land Use Table.
• Use the lowest allowed residential density from land use ranges in your
calculations. For example, a land use that permits a density range of 7-10 units per
acre must use 7 units per acre in all density calculations for this land use. This
ensures that even at the lowest permitted density, the community will be developing
at densities that meet overall density expectations.
and identify the permitted density range for residential uses. For example, Mixed
Use Downtown might have an expectation of 30% commercial, 40% office, and
30% residential with a density of 10-15 units per acre. Utilize only the planned
residential acreage for your calculation.
12.3 Provide the net developable acreage for each residential land use category
identified to support forecasted growth for each planning decade (2030, 2040, and
2050). Exclude wetlands and natural water bodies, public parks and open space,
arterial road rights-of-way, and areas protected from development by local plans
and ordinances (i.e. steep slopes, wetland buffers) from area calculations.
Density Expectations: Rural Service Area, excluding Rural Centers
13 All jurisdictions in the Rural Service Area must set maximum allowable residential
densities, except Rural Centers which must plan for a minimum density of 3 units per acre.
14 Identify goals, intentions, and priorities concerning large-scale agriculture, as well as
small-scale local food production, and include strategies needed to implement any
identified policies.
14.1 Areas intended for long-term agricultural use must be assigned a land use
designation that limits development to agricultural production and ancillary or
otherwise compatible uses.
15 Jurisdictions in the Rural Service Area, excluding Rural Centers must demonstrate
consistency with the Met Council’s most recently adopted Flexible Development
Ordinance Policy.
3 | Metropolitan Council Checklist of Minimum Requirements 2050
15.1 Communities shall review the policy and verify compliance if local ordinances (open
space ordinances, cluster developments, density bonuses or similar.) allow
Staged Development
17 Identify potential local infrastructure impacts for each 10-year increment and demonstrate
that the municipality is capable of providing services and facilities that accommodate its
planned growth.
17.1 The proposed staging plan or development phasing must be consistent with the
distribution of sewered and unsewered growth identified in your community’s Local
Sewer Plan.
17.2 The proposed staging plan or development phasing must support and be consistent
with your community’s allocation of the region’s Future Affordable Housing Need for
2031 - 2040.
Redevelopment and Infill
18 Identify policies that encourage redevelopment and infill in areas with existing
infrastructure and/or transit access where applicable.
19 Specify in the capital improvement plan the timing and sequence of local public facilities
updates, fiscal devices or official controls that will facilitate redevelopment in accordance
with the plan.
Adjacent to Unincorporated Areas or with Orderly Annexation Agreements
23 Plan to accommodate growth only in areas within your municipal boundaries unless an
orderly annexation agreement (OAA) authorizes another jurisdiction to assume planning
authority.
24 Orderly annexation agreements must encompass the planning horizon and identify
needed updates that occur within the planning period.
24.1 If an adopted OAA terminates prior to the end of the planning horizon, additional
land supply within the jurisdictional authority of the local government may need to
be identified to accommodate forecasted growth or the Met Council may consider a
forecast adjustment.
25 Map stages of development in 10-year increments (existing, 2030, 2040, and 2050).
26 Provide a table of staged development in 10-year increments. The table must include
future land uses, area in acres, density ranges, and total residential units by each 10-year
time increment.
Community Composition
4 | Metropolitan Council Checklist of Minimum Requirements 2050
27 Provide a detailed demographic profile, identifying the representation of Black, American
Indian, Asian and Latine residents, non-English speakers, youth, older adults, and
individuals with disabilities in your community.
28 The demographic profile needs to include the number of households below the 200%
poverty threshold and percent of households without vehicle access.
29 Identify community engagement efforts implemented in the creation of the Comprehensive
Plan. Highlight efforts that were made to collaborate with underrepresented populations in
the planning process. (Black, American Indian, people of color, youth, older adults,
renters, etc.)
Historic and Cultural Assets
30 Identify historic and cultural assets in the community (except where Federal and State
policies protect the confidentiality of sensitive sites, such as American Indian burial
mounds). Specify any assets that are formally designated at the local level, at the state
level by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), or at the federal level by the US
Department of the Interior.
31 Identify policies to protect and preserve the community’s historic and cultural assets.
Aggregate Resources
32 Identify if aggregate resources are present (or not) within the jurisdiction’s staging areas
for new development.
33 If aggregate resources are present:
33.1 Provide a map showing the location of aggregate resources as mapped in
Minnesota Geological Survey Information Circular No. 46.
33.2 Identify your goals, intentions, and priorities concerning aggregate resources.
Provide for aggregate resource extraction prior to development where viable
deposits remain accessible and the extraction would not conflict with other
established priorities (i.e. preserving natural systems, protecting highly vulnerable
Drinking Water Supply Management Areas, etc.).
33.3 Include strategies needed to implement the identified aggregate resources policies.
Solar Resource Protection & Development
34 Include a policy or policies relating to the protection and development of access to direct
sunlight for solar energy systems.
35 Include strategies needed to implement the policy or policies.
Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMA)
5 | Metropolitan Council Checklist of Minimum Requirements 2050
36 Identify if surface water or groundwater Drinking Water Supply Management Areas
(DWSMA) are located within the community.
37 If DWSMA are present:
37.1 Provide a map of all DWSMA indicated their location and vulnerability.
37.2 Include land use goals and policies to protect water quality and prevent overuse of
source waters due to development, especially in highly vulnerable DWSMAs. Refer
to existing source water protection plans, the water chapter of the comprehensive
plan, or other areas as relevant.
37.3 Include strategies needed to implement the identified policies.
6 | Metropolitan Council Checklist of Minimum Requirements 2050
Housing Pg #
Existing Housing Needs
1 Complete an existing housing assessment including:
1.1 Provide the following information on existing local conditions:
• The total number of housing units.
• The number of rental housing units affordable to households with incomes at or
below 30% area median income (AMI), between 31-50% AMI, between 51-60% AMI,
and 61% AMI or greater.
• The number of ownership and co-operative housing units affordable to households
with incomes at or below 50% AMI, between 51-60% AMI, between 61-80% AMI,
between 81-115% AMI, and 116% AMI or greater.
• The share of housing units by detached townhomes, accessory dwelling units
(ADU's), manufactured housing, attached townhomes, 2-4 unit multifamily, and 5 unit
or larger multifamily housing.
• The number of households with incomes at or below 30% AMI, between 31-50%
AMI, between 51-60% AMI and between 61-80% AMI.
• The number of households that are experiencing housing cost burden with incomes
at or below 30% AMI, between 31-50% AMI, between 51-60% AMI, and between 61-
80% AMI.
• The share of households experiencing housing cost burden by racial/ethnic group.
• The homeownership rate by racial/ethnic group.
• The number of affordability-restricted housing units. Include the breakout of units by
restriction when possible such as: housing for people 55 and older, housing for
people with disabilities, and high priority homeless units.
• Include the number of low-income affordable ownership housing units needed.
1.2 Include a map of subsidized housing units.
2 Complete a narrative analysis of existing housing needs. At a minimum, address the
components of the existing housing assessment within the context of your city or township.
Plans consistent with Met Council policy will clearly identify existing housing needs and
priorities for the city or township. The existing housing assessment includes data at various
levels of affordability, therefore, the needs should be identified within levels of affordability
when applicable. In addition to the needs identified through the existing housing
assessment, a complete narrative will consider the following:
2.1 Providing affordable housing opportunities that are accessible to households of
varying abilities.
7 | Metropolitan Council Checklist of Minimum Requirements 2050
2.2 Maintenance and preservation of unsubsidized affordable housing.
2.3 Households at risk of losing housing and/or experiencing housing instability.
Projected Housing Needs
3 Discuss how the land use plan addresses the future housing need for your forecasted
growth.
4 Acknowledge the need for affordable housing units that are age-restricted and/or offer
supportive services for older people.
Housing Implementation Plan
7 Identify the top three existing housing needs for the city or township and include a
description of how these needs were selected as the top housing needs for the city or
township. Describe the tools (public programs, fiscal devices, and/or other specific actions)
that will be used to meet the top three existing housing needs identified. Include in what
circumstances and in what sequence they will be used.
• A list of accepted tools is provided. However, this list is not exhaustive. Local
governments are strongly encouraged to include any additional tools at their disposal when
identifying how they will address these housing needs.
8 Describe the tools (public programs, fiscal devices, and/or other specific actions) that your
local government will consider using to meet all other existing and projected housing needs
identified in the housing element of your comprehensive plan. Include in what
circumstances and in what sequence they would be used.
• Plans consistent with Met Council policy will clearly and directly link identified needs to
available tools.
• A list of accepted tools is provided. However, this list is not exhaustive. Local
governments are strongly encouraged to include any additional tools at their disposal when
identifying how they will address their housing needs.
8 | Metropolitan Council Checklist of Minimum Requirements 2050
Transportation Pg #
Roadways
1 Describe and Map the Roadway Functional Classification in your community. Include
identification of all classifications in your community including:
• Principal Arterials
• Minor Arterials
• Major Collectors
• Minor Collectors
• Local roadways
2 Include the following information on the Principal and Minor Arterial functional
classification systems:
2.1 Describe and map the existing and proposed number of traffic lanes
2.2 Describe and map the existing and projected traffic volumes
2.3 Describe and map the following funded and planned investments outlined in the
Imagine 2050 TPP Highway Investment Plan (planned projects are within the 2050
fiscally constrained plan). The vision and under study managed lane projects and
vision targeted regional capacity projects are not required to be added, but their
inclusion should be considered general guidance.
-Figure 9: Regional Mobility Investments: Interchanges
-Figure 10. Regional Mobility Investments: Managed Lanes
-Figure 11. Regional Mobility Investments: Targeted Regional Capacity
2.4 Incorporate and describe recommendations from any corridor studies and identify
any opportunities to complete or update existing corridor studies documented as
priority tiered intersection locations in the Intersection Mobility and Safey Study.
3 Include a safety analysis that includes an analysis of crash trends, data and safety needs
by mode and crash severity from the most recent 5 years of available data to prioritize
future investments to reduce deaths and serious injuries using a Safe Systems Approach.
Identify any high priority transportation corridors and locations in your community to
reduce fatalities and serious injuries. Reference any existing local safety plans like Safe
Streets and Roads for All action plans or county road safety plans in local planning, when
applicable.
Transit
4 Identify, describe and map your local community's identified transit market area(s).
Include a discussion of your community’s relationship with the transit market area(s).
5 Identify, describe and map the transit system located in your community. Include the
following features:
• Local transit services and demand response (including dial-a-ride, mircrotransit) services
• The existing and planned transit centers and park and rides
• The existing and planned transit advantages
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6 Identify areas of known planned transit service expansion, working with transit provider(s)
and identify desired transit expansion corridors or areas based on community land use
plan.
Biking
10 Describe and map the full local existing and planned bike network. Ensure networks are
10.1 Identify local bikeway connections to transit facilities.
10.2 Describe plans, strategies or policies to address connectivity gaps in the bike
network that improve accessibility and safety.
Pedestrian
13 Include a full pedestrian element of your local transportation element of the
comprehensive plan. Include the following:
13.1 Community pedestrian system needs in a manner that responds to your community
designation.
13.2 Describe plans, strategies or policies to address connectivity gaps in the pedestrian
network that improve accessibility and safety. Identify if Safe Routes to School
plans have been done for schools in the community.
13.3 Map the existing pedestrian network.
13.4 Identify and map locally developed pedestrian priority networks or areas, if
applicable.
Freight
14 Identify and map railways, barge facilities and truck or intermodal freight terminals within
your community (see designated freight nodes on the Metropolitan Freight System map.
Include other important nodes that may generate freight movement, such as industrial
parks, warehouses or distribution centers and large shopping areas.
15 If available from MnDOT or other sources, include heavy commercial annual average
truck volumes on the Principal Arterial and Minor Arterial network within your community.
Link to MnDOT AADT app
16 Identify, describe and map any local roadway issues or problem areas for goods
movement, such as weight-restricted roads or bridges, bridges with insufficient height or
width clearances, locations with unprotected road crossings of active rail lines, or
Travel Demand Management
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17 Describe and document existing local travel demand management policies, ordinances or
practices, if applicable. Include any activities or plans to collaborate with regional TDM
partners on outreach and promotional activities that support sustainable travel choices.
Aviation
18 Identify policies and ordinances that protect regional airspace from obstructions. Include
how your community will notify the FAA of proposed tall structures.
19 Identify and map any bodies of water that may be used for seaplane operations as
designated and regulated by MnDOT in your community.
Equity and Inclusion
22 Describe status of the agency’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan
(applies to agencies with 50 or more employees) or self-evaluation for public rights of way.
Identify when it was last updated, any identified target date for compliance, and strategies
used to monitor implementation progress and make updates.
Climate and Natural Systems
23 Include an acknowledgement of state designated targets for statewide vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) reduction and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions for the seven-
county metro region. Identify plans, policies or strategies to reduce per capita VMT and
total transportation-related GHG emissions in your community to meet state statutes on
reduction targets. Surface transportation GHG emissions are a portion of the total
reduction targets, see land use requirements for the total reduction targets from all sectors
and tools to calculate reduction needs and strategies for your community.
Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ)
24 Communities must confirm their Local Comprehensive plan’s use of the forecasted
population, household and employment data by TAZ published by the Met Council.
Communities may alternatively cooperate with Met Council staff to prepare a different
allocation.
24.1 If using the forecasts published by the Met Council, local comprehensive plans can
reference the published forecasts. The TAZ table does not need to be replicated in
the Comprehensive Plan Update.
24.2 Alternately, if preparing a different allocation, the sum of TAZ allocations must
alternative TAZ allocations can be provided separate from the Plan Update; this
deliverable must precede Met Council’s completeness determination of the Plan
Update.
24.3 Transportation Analysis Zones allocation of the forecast is waived for cities and
townships with population and employment fully contained in one TAZ.
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Wastewater Pg #
Requirements for Areas Served by Private Communal Treatment Systems
19 Table that details adopted community forecasts served by each private communal
19.1 10-
20
21 Copies of the associated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) or
22 Map or maps showing the following
22.1
subsurface systems
22.2
23 Conditions under which additional private communal treatment systems would be
Requirements for Areas Served by Subsurface Sewage Treatment
Systems (SSTS)
24 Indicate in the comprehensive sewer plan the number of individual SSTSs in operation
25 Map identifying location of individual SSTSs. Location of known nonconforming systems
or known problems should be identified. A list of addresses for SSTSs is acceptable
26
27 Provide description of
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Rules Chapters 7080-
28
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Water Supply Pg #
Source Water Protection
1 Because surface water and/or groundwater Drinking Water Supply Management Areas
(DWSMAs) overlap your community, describe risks to water quality from development and
redevelopment through 2050, focusing on potential contaminants in those areas.
time, especially in highly vulnerable surface water and groundwater DWSMAs.
2 Include water resource management goals and policies to protect the quality of water
supply sources, especially in any highly vulnerable DWSMAs.
3 Include water resource strategies to implement source water protection goals and policies.
3.1 Describe any fiscal devices or official controls and a timeline for actions.
3.2 Describe planned collaboration with neighbors, watersheds, and agencies to
prevent contamination, especially in highly vulnerable DWSMAs.
4 Attach and respond to comments from neighbors whose DWSMAs extend into your
community as part of your comprehensive plan update submittal, especially regarding
Privately-owned wells and non-municipal water supply systems
5 Attach and respond to comments as part of your comprehensive plan update submittal,
especially regarding opportunities to safeguard water supplied by privately-owned wells
and non-municipal water supply systems.
6 Communities not currently served by a municipal community public water supply system
should describe any plans for providing this service in the future, either by developing a
new system or as part of an orderly annexation agreement.
7 Attach and respond to comments as part of your comprehensive plan update submittal,
especially regarding any plans for new municipal community public water supply service
the community.
8 Because your community is in a Groundwater Management Area, attach and respond to
DNR comments as part of your comprehensive plan update submittal, especially on
aligning with the Groundwater Management Area Plan to address potential water
appropriation permit issues.
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Surface Water Pg #
Surface Water
1 An executive summary that summarizes the highlights of the local water plan.
2 A summary of the appropriate water resource management-related agreements that have
Local been entered into by the local community.
3 A description of the existing and proposed physical environment and land use. Data may
be incorporated by reference for other required elements of this section as allowed by the
WMO. The community should be aware that not all WMO plans will contain the level of
detail needed for the community and, in those instances, the community will need to
provide additional information. In addition, the following must be defined in the plan:
3.1 Drainage areas
3.2 Volumes, rates, and paths of stormwater runoff (Runoff rates are recommended for a
24-hour precipitation event with a return frequency of 1 or 2 years. Communities with
known flooding issues may want to require rate control for storms with other return
frequencies such as 10, 25 or 100-year events.)
3.3 An assessment of existing or potential water resource-related problems. At a
minimum, the plan should include: A prioritized assessment of the problems related
to water quality and quantity in the community.
4 A local implementation program/plan that includes prioritized nonstructural, programmatic
and structural solutions to priority problems identified as part of the assessment completed
for number 3.3, above. Local official controls must be enacted within six months of the
approval of the local water plan. The program/plan must:
4.1 Include areas and elevations for stormwater storage adequate to meet performance
standards or official controls established in the WMO plan(s)
4.2 Define water quality protection methods adequate to meet performance standards or
official controls. At a minimum, the plan should include:
• Information on the types of best management practices to be used to improve
stormwater quality and quantity. (A five-year establishment period is recommended
for native plantings and bioengineering practices).
• The maintenance schedule for the best management practices. (The maintenance
schedule in plans submitted by regulated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
(MSA) communities must be consistent with BMP inspection and maintenance
requirements of the MS4 Permit)
4.3 Clearly define the responsibilities of the community from that of the WMO(s) for
carrying out the implementation components
4.4 Describe official controls and any changes to official controls. At a minimum, the plan
should include:
14 | Metropolitan Council Checklist of Minimum Requirements 2050
• An erosion and sediment control ordinance consistent with NPDES Construction
Stormwater permit requirements and other applicable state requirements
• Identify ways to control runoff rates so that land-altering activities do not increase
peak stormwater flow from the site for a 24-hour precipitation event with a return
frequency of 1 or 2 years. Communities with known flooding issues may want to
require rate control for storms with other return frequencies (10-year, 25-year or 100-
year)
4.5 Include a table that briefly describes each component of the implementation program
and clearly details the schedule, estimated cost, and funding sources for each
component including annual budget totals
4.6 Include a table for a capital improvement program that sets forth by year, details of
each contemplated capital improvement that includes the schedule, estimated cost,
and funding source
4.7 A section titled “Amendments to Plan” that establishes the process by which
amendments may be made.
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Parks Pg #
Regional Parks and Trails
1 Describe, map, and label the Regional Parks and Trails System facilities that are located
in your community. These include any regional parks, park reserves, special features, or
regional trails that are open to the public, planned, or in a search status (i.e., regional park
search areas, special feature search areas, regional trail search corridors).
2 If no portion of the Regional Parks and Trails System falls within your community, state
that fact in your comprehensive plan.
3 Describe, map, and label the federal and state recreational lands within your community,
as shown on your System Statement.
4 Depict existing regional parkland (e.g., regional parks, park reserves, special features,
and regional trail corridor land) with a land use of “Park” (or your community’s equivalent)
on your Existing Land Use map.
5 Acknowledge the Council-approved long-range plan boundaries of regional parkland (e.g.,
regional parks, park reserves, special features, and regional trail corridor land) by guiding
the properties with a land use of “Park” (or your community’s equivalent) on your Future
Land Use map.
Local Parks and Trails
6 Describe and map your existing and proposed local parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
7 Include a capital improvement program for parks and open space facilities as part of your
implementation program.
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Climate Pg #
Climate Mitigation
1 Include an acknowledgement of statewide targets for GHG reductions: 50% GHG
reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050 from a 2005 baseline.
2 Include a greenhouse gas emissions inventory that includes transportation, energy use,
solid waste, and livestock and agriculture (where applicable)
3 Include at least one strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for each of the above
sectors
4 Detail the emissions impact of reduction strategies through 2050 for the above sectors
using the Met Council Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Tool or an equivalent
modeling tool.
Climate Adaptation
5 Identify social, built, and natural systems vulnerabilities to the following climate hazards:
Extreme Heat and Localized Flooding
6 Include strategies to address social, built, and natural systems vulnerabilities for the
following climate hazards: Extreme Heat and Localized Flooding
7 Include strategies that support local food systems to increase access to healthy food, food
security, and community resilience
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Natural Systems Pg #
Natural Systems Requirements
1 Identify existing natural systems in your community by mapping terrestrial areas and water
bodies.
2
3 Identify and map significant and sensitive terrestrial and water areas in your community.
4 Identify areas within your community that present opportunities for protection or
improvement. Use the Met Council mapping tool to guide your analysis, focusing on the
provided opportunity areas data.
• Based on this analysis, map or list the areas your community considers priorities for
protection or improvement—including any areas the tool may have overlooked.
5 List specific protection and improvement goals, and issues the goals are intended to
address for your community’s terrestrial systems.
• Describe how your terrestrial systems goals and issues relate to the planned water
systems outcomes that are identified in your locally adopted surface water management,
watershed, wellhead protection, and local water supply plans.
6 Identify and list protection and improvement strategies to help achieve your community’s
7 List any planned or proposed protection or improvement initiatives for natural systems in
your community in the next 10 years.
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Implementation Pg #
Implementation Actions
1 Identify changes to local ordinances including the Zoning Code that will be needed to align
with the 2050 plan, including those necessitated by the implementation section of the local
surface water management plan and housing plan.
1.1 Define a timeline as to when actions will be taken to implement each required
element of your comprehensive plan.
1.2 Include a schedule for the preparation, adoption, and administration of needed
changes to official controls.
1.3 Describe all public programs, fiscal devices, and other actions your community will
use to implement your plan.
1.4 Include your local zoning map and zoning category descriptions. Identify what
changes are needed to ensure zoning is not in conflict with your new land use plan
and consistent with regional system plans and policies.
Capital Improvement Plan
2 Include a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for transportation, sewers, parks, water supply,
and open space facilities. Specify the timing and sequence of major local public
investments.
• Describe all relevant official controls related to zoning, subdivision, water supply, and
private sewer systems.
• The CIP must align with development staging identified in other parts of your plan and
include budgets and expenditure schedules.
Update Local Controls
3 Review and update official controls within 9 months of adopting your 2050 plan. Official
controls must not conflict with the updated plan. Copies of all revised official controls must
be provided.
19 | Metropolitan Council Checklist of Minimum Requirements 2050